Solar Energy

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Solar Energy

The term solar energy refers to light and heat from the sun that has been converted into usable energy that we rely upon. Solar power relies upon solar panels and heat engines that are built to transform energy, and heat, from radiation into energy that can be used to power and heat homes and office buildings. There are two types of solar conversion; passive solar and active solar. They capture, convert and distribute energy in different ways. Active solar conversion relies upon solar panels, or heat engines, to catch and convert energy and heat from radiation. Passive solar conversion relies on implementing solar smart techniques when you are constructing materials. Using sun roofs, building many sun facing windows, and using thermal mass and light dispersing materials in houses are all passive techniques.

The earth receives hundreds of million watts of radiation to its upper atmosphere on a daily basis. It is estimated that 30% is reflected back into space and the remaining 70% is taken in by the clouds, land, and water of the earth. This absorption raises the overall temperature of the earth’s crust. The total energy that is absorbed by the earth in an hour is typically more than the entire world uses in one year. There is so much energy that is taken in by the earth that the amount we receive in one year about doubles the energy that we will ever receive from non-renewable resources. Solar power would be more than enough to supply all of the energy needs of the earth for its entire existence.

Solar energy can be used for a number of different things. Active solar conversion increases the supply of energy that exists to run modern societies. Passive solar conversion reduces the need for alternate energy sources all together.

Architecture has taken solar energy into consideration for many centuries. Solar power community planning was first put in place by the Greeks who built their homes facing south so they could be lit and heated during the day. Architecture usually incorporates passive solar techniques, from simple to elaborate. Many modern homes usually have overhangs for selective shading areas, compact surface area to volume ratio and are built in manors that enhance air flow. These are all ways to use solar power without panels and generators. Of course many modern homes can also contain solar panels and generators that allow them to run their power and heat entirely from the use of solar power.

Agriculture also captures solar energy to enhance their productivity of plants, which in turn enhances their product turn over. Timed planting cycles, tailored rows for planting and varying heights of rows are all commonly used techniques that capture solar power. Sometimes walls are built that act as thermal masses to catch and refract light and heat to the plants when it is cold. This allows farmers to produce their product regardless of the season. Green houses are also great because they convert solar light to heat which enables growers to produce plants and crops year round as well.

There are many other reasons that one could use solar energy on a daily basis. Lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation, water treatment, cooking, and electrical use are all common things that solar power can be used for.

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The term solar energy refers to light and heat from the sun that has been converted into usable energy that we rely upon. Solar power relies upon solar panels and heat engines that are built to transform energy, and heat, from radiation into energy that can be used to power and heat homes and office buildings. There are two types of solar conversion; passive solar and active solar. They capture, convert and distribute energy in different ways. Active solar conversion relies upon solar panels, or heat engines, to catch and convert energy and heat from radiation. Passive solar conversion relies on implementing solar smart techniques when you are constructing materials. Using sun roofs, building many sun facing windows, and using thermal mass and light dispersing materials in houses are all passive techniques.

The earth receives hundreds of million watts of radiation to its upper atmosphere on a daily basis. It is estimated that 30% is reflected back into space and the remaining 70% is taken in by the clouds, land, and water of the earth. This absorption raises the overall temperature of the earth’s crust. The total energy that is absorbed by the earth in an hour is typically more than the entire world uses in one year. There is so much energy that is taken in by the earth that the amount we receive in one year about doubles the energy that we will ever receive from non-renewable resources. Solar power would be more than enough to supply all of the energy needs of the earth for its entire existence.

Solar energy can be used for a number of different things. Active solar conversion increases the supply of energy that exists to run modern societies. Passive solar conversion reduces the need for alternate energy sources all together.

Architecture has taken solar energy into consideration for many centuries. Solar power community planning was first put in place by the Greeks who built their homes facing south so they could be lit and heated during the day. Architecture usually incorporates passive solar techniques, from simple to elaborate. Many modern homes usually have overhangs for selective shading areas, compact surface area to volume ratio and are built in manors that enhance air flow. These are all ways to use solar power without panels and generators. Of course many modern homes can also contain solar panels and generators that allow them to run their power and heat entirely from the use of solar power.

Agriculture also captures solar energy to enhance their productivity of plants, which in turn enhances their product turn over. Timed planting cycles, tailored rows for planting and varying heights of rows are all commonly used techniques that capture solar power. Sometimes walls are built that act as thermal masses to catch and refract light and heat to the plants when it is cold. This allows farmers to produce their product regardless of the season. Green houses are also great because they convert solar light to heat which enables growers to produce plants and crops year round as well.

There are many other reasons that one could use solar energy on a daily basis. Lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation, water treatment, cooking, and electrical use are all common things that solar power can be used for.

Solar Energy

Renewable